Giants Must Get Aggressive if They Want Leach

By John Fennelly | Jun 26, 2013 | 9:20AM

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The Giants are hoping there is a way they can land free agent FB Vonta Leach, but as time moves on here, it looks like the Miami Dolphins have the inside track on signing him. The Dolphins have a ton of cap room to play with (approx $17 million) and can easily match or top any offer by the Giants and the other teams interested.

Plus, Leach is not as hungry for a ring, having just won one in Baltimore, and who wouldn't want to get paid to live in Miami?

Per PFT:

Leach's agent Ralph Vitolo believes he knows what team will be waiting to hand him a jersey with his name on the back. The Texans, Giants and Ravens have all been in the mix for Leach’s services, but Vitolo thinks Leach will be enjoying life in Miami during the 2013 season.

“I think so. I hope so. It’s the right place to be. We’re trying to crunch the numbers,” Vitolo said, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

From Dan Stack of GiantsRush....

With the availability of Henry Hynoski for Week 1 in doubt, the Giants have been kicking the tires of late on free-agent fullback Vonta Leach.

Leach, who was previously released by the Ravens this offseason, has had himself a decorated career being one of the game’s best fullbacks, having blocked for some of the preeminent rushers in the game like Ray Rice, Arian Foster and Ahman Green.

At 31, Leach should have a couple of good seasons left in him and he could provide great insurance at fullback for a team in need of it. There is no telling how long Hynoski will be out with his most recent knee injury and with no other great options at their disposal, the Giants should make this move in case Hynoski can’t come back with the same vigor we’re accustomed to seeing from him.

Sure, there is the option of plugging in Bear Pascoe at fullback. Pascoe has played there before and can be an admirable fill-in, but as one of the team’s better blocking tight ends, moving Pascoe to fullback could be counterproductive.

Then again, with the Giants at a bit of crunch when it comes to salary cap, they would have to get creative to acquire the services of Leach. With more money to spend under the cap, the Dolphins appear to be the overwhelming frontrunners.

Leach is one of the best at what he does and for a team with—for the most part—untested backs in the backfield in David Wilson and Andre Brown, Leach’s presence can be very beneficial for a team looking to jump start its running game.

While Foster and Rice are supremely talented runners and can make plays on their own, Leach’s value to those backs cannot go unnoticed, as his precision blocking and veteran savvy paved the way for a lot of their success. With his experience and poise, Leach could have a calming effect on the young backs, especially Wilson.

Again, it may take some creativity, but signing Leach could help on many fronts and it’s an option the Giants may have to seriously consider—and quickly if they have any notion of snatching him away from the Dolphins.

Giants re-sign veteran offensive lineman John Greco

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: The Giants had only one player on their roster who knew what Pat Shurmur was like as a head coach. And now that player is set to return.

Veteran offensive lineman John Greco, who was with the Cleveland Browns during Shurmur's tenure there in 2011-12, re-signed with the Giants on Wednesday. The soon-to-be-33-year-old journeyman joined the Giants last November, when injuries were ripping apart their offensive line. He never started a game, but he added some much-needed depth.

That's likely why Greco is coming back in 2018, too. His signing won't necessarily help new GM Dave Gettleman achieve his goal of fixing the Giants' offensive line problem, but depth up front can be enormously important. Last season when the injuries started, the Giants' already-thin line was forced to turn to undrafted rookies like Chad Wheeler, players off their practice squad like Jon Halapio, or veterans off the street like Greco. They had to scramble for help, and the help they found wasn't always good...

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Kiper has Giants taking RB Saquon Barkley in latest mock draft

Feb 21 | 10:14AM

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(Matt Kartozian)

ESPN insider Mel Kiper is changing his mind for who the Giants will select with their No. 2 overall pick come April.

Instead of going with a quarterback, Kiper has the Giants taking Penn State RB Saquon Barkley with their top pick. He previously had UCLA QB Josh Rosen as his favorite, but he thinks New York can't pass up on bringing in Barkley's talent to work alonside the likes of Odell BeckhamJr. and the rest of the Giants stellar receiving crew.

Giants keep season tickets at same price as 2017 season

Feb 21 | 9:25AM

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(Noah K. Murray)

Well, there is one positive that came out of the Giants' horrendous season last year. Season ticket prices won't see another increase in 2018, per The Post's Paul Schwartz.

After an 11-5 record two seasons ago, the Giants raised their season tickets by four percent for the 2017 season. But co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch won't be increasing the price again, especially after a 3-13 dud.

"There is no change in the cost of your season tickets from a year ago," Mara and Tisch wrote in a letter.

Giants likely to watch, not exercise franchise tags this offseason

Panthers' G Andrew Norwell is on their radar

New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: One year from now, the "franchise tag" could be a source of great drama for the Giants if Odell Beckham Jr. doesn't have his mega-deal by then. If he doesn't, the Giants will surely tag him. And he surely won't be happy about it. He might not even sign it.

But that's a problem for 2019. Right now, the 15-day "franchise tag" period - which officially opened in the NFL on Tuesday - figures to be completely drama-free. The Giants seem to have only one player worthy of the "franchise tag" - guard Justin Pugh. And they aren't expected to use it, even on him.

Gettleman must be smart if he wishes to pass on QB at No. 2

Feb 20 | 11:00AM

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Giants may not draft a QB00:02:41

The Daily News Live crew discusses Dave Gettleman's comment that the Giants may not select a quarterback with their first-round pick.

Giants GM Dave Gettleman has certainly been preparing for what he wants to do with the No. 2 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, and many believe taking a quarterback for the team's future is the right move to make. But what if he's leaning toward another option?

There are two other options he can decide to choose other than taking a quarterback: Draft a different player at No. 2, or trade down to acquire more picks. And, according to SI's Peter King, that is exactly what some think he will do.

King has the Giants looking at Wyoming QB Josh Allen, but there are other needs for next season. If Eli Manning is the guy for now, King doesn't doubt Gettleman skipping out on this top-heavy quarterback class.

Giants' offseason needs: Reinforcements required in the trenches

Dave Gettleman, New York Giants general manager, speaks after being introduced during a news conference on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Adam Hunger/AP)

The Giants' head into the offseason unsure of what they really are. Two years ago they were an 11-5 playoff team. Last year they were a 3-13 mess with largely the same personnel.

Chances are the reality of the Giants is somewhere in between, which makes them a team like many others in the league: Talented, but flawed.

How they fix those flaws will determine how they fare in 2018 under first-year head coach Pat Shurmur. And as they get ready to begin their offseason overhaul, here's a look at their biggest needs:

Offensive line - This is everything for the Giants and the primary reason for their problems over the last six years. They need a total rebuild, especially with Justin Pugh and Weston Richburg headed to free agency...

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Get to know Pat Shurmur's coaching staff

Pat Shurmur holds a helmet after being introduced as head coach of the New York Giants during an NFL football news conference, Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, in East Rutherford , N.J. Shurmur, the former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, was announced as the new coach less than 24 hours after he and the Vikings were beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC title game. The 52-year-old Shurmur replaces Ben McAdoo, who was fired in early December. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: Pat Shurmur wasted no time at all assembling his coaching staff with the Giants, and on Thursday he made it all official when he announced the hiring of 16 assistants, including six that were holdovers from Ben McAdoo's staff.

The big names, of course, were offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who came from the Carolina Panthers, and defensive coordinator James Bettcher, who came from the Arizona Cardinals. Shula was the last coach to be added, and he'll not only help with the game planning -- as Shurmur calls his own plays -- but Shula will be the Giants' quarterbacks coach, too.

"He'll assume all the roles that any offensive coordinator would have," Shurmur said in a press release from the team. "And he'd obviously be in positon to call (plays), if need be."

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Mayfield confident he can thrive in NYC: 'I live for a big moment'

The Heisman Trophy winner believes he is the best QB in the Draft

The 2017 Heisman Trophy Award winner sat down with The Post's Steve Serby to talk about the prospect of playing in the Big Apple, and if he has what it takes to succeed in a market that isn't friendly to anyone.

Simply put: Mayfield loves the spotlight.

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Hart signs with Bengals; Says he had 'unfair' reputation with Giants

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: Bobby Hart, the tackle who was cut by the Giants in late-December after refusing to practice and play in the season finale, has found a "fresh start" in Cincinnati. And he's hoping the Bengals can help him reshape a tattered reputation he believes is unfair.

The 23-year-old Hart, in quotes released by his new team, didn't deny that he refused to take the field with the Giants in the final week of their miserable 3-13 season. Instead, according to the release, he said he believed "some" in the Giants organization agreed that he shouldn't play because he was still bothered by a nagging ankle injury.

Hart didn't say who agreed with him, but it clearly wasn't new GM Dave Gettleman, who green-lighted Hart's release on Dec. 30 -- just one day after Gettleman officially started his new job...

Former Giants running back Rashad Jennings handed out roses to lucky ladies in Times Square on Valentine's Day.

Nine of the Top 10 rushing teams in the NFL made the playoffs last season. All but one of the 12 playoff teams finished in the Top 15. And the playoffs were littered with star running backs, too, like Todd Gurley, Leonard Fournette, Le'Veon Bell, LeSean McCoy, and super-rookies like Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara.

Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield would be a suitable option for the New York Giants in the upcoming NFL draft, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com wrote on Tuesday.

Scott Thompson, SNY.tv | Twitter |: I've been on the Baker Bandwagon all season long. This kid is something special in my eyes, and it isn't just the numbers as Brooks points out. It's the heart, intensity, and drive that he has every time he steps between the hashes.

And that is why Baker Mayfield is the only quarterback I would want the Giants to draft with their first-round selection.

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Giants ask judge to delay Eli Manning memorabilia lawsuit until June

Feb 13 | 10:53PM

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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 23-0. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) (Rick Scuteri/AP)

The Giants counsel have asked to delay Eli Manning's memorabilia lawsuit until June 11, per Newsday's Jim Baumbach.

The team asked the New Jersey court for this request as their lead attorney, Michael Kelly, is undergonig treatment for a sickness and has another trial set for March. Manning's trial is currently set for March 26.

Which Giants could become cap casualties this offseason?

The Giants are projected to have somewhere around $22-23 million in salary cap space when the free-agent signing period opens on March 14. That's "healthy" as assistant GM Kevin Abrams back in December.

And during the next month, the Giants could become even healthier than that...

Pat Shurmur was unable to land his top choice - and possibly choices - for offensive coordinator. Instead, he has turned to one of Dave Gettleman's guys.

Shurmur has hired former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula as his offensive coordinator, SNY confirmed. The 52-year-old Shula will also serve as the Giants quarterbacks coach, a source told SNY.

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Which receivers could Giants target for insurance in the Draft?

Scott Thompson, SNY.tv | Twitter |: There are more pressing positions to address in the Draft this year, but with the pass game being so important in today's NFL, there can never be too many threats on the outside.

The Giants seem to be set at the wide receiver position with Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Brandon Marshall stacked on the outside. It also helps that TE Evan Engram has rare speed and agility at his position, and proved it last season as one of Eli Manning's favorite targets.

However, the 2017 season wasn't generous to this group. Beckham and Marshall underwent season-ending surgeries after both Pro Bowlers sustained injuries in the same week. Shepard was on and off the field as well, playing in 11 games this season.

One good thing about the Giants' miserable season and their recent run of (mostly) futility: They don't have a lot of free agents on their roster that they absolutely must sign.

They do have 25 players approaching free agency, though, and a little more than a month to make some decisions. Here's a look at all their free agents-to-be, and their prospects of returning or finding potential riches somewhere else around the league:

Harrison, who has made the list four times now, was named PFF's best run defender in 2017 after hitting 40 run stops for the third time in his career. Snacks may not have made the Pro Bowl, but PFF recognizes him as one of -- if not the most -- valuable run stopper in the game.

"There is no greater run-stuffing force in the NFL than Damon Harrison, the Giants defensive tackle," PFF writes. "Harrison won PFF's best run defender award again this season, and has made run stops and run-stop percentage a statistic owned by him alone. Harrison again topped 40 run stops this season, third time in his career, or two more times than the rest of the league's interior defenders have managed since 2006. The run game has never been less important in the NFL, but Harrison is good enough to be an exception to that rule."

Mara's deposition could point to Giants' negligence in Manning memorabilia case

Feb 12 | 10:45AM

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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning speaks to the media in the press room after being named the co-winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year during the 6th Annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater. (Kirby Lee)

Giants co-owner John Mara's deposition in the Eli Manning memorabilia fraud case could show that the team turned a blind eye to the situation back in 2008.

The lawyer of Eric Inselberg -- the memorabilia dealer who is suing the Giants and Steiner Sports -- asked Mara what he did after seeing an email from equipment manager Joe Skiba about the game-used helmets. Mara claimed he didn't recall if he spoke with Skiba in-person about it. Mara also didn't go to Manning about it as well.

Inselberg's lawyer then says it is "willful blindness" for the Giants to neglect investigating the situation.

Report: Vikings deny Giants request to interview Stefanski

Feb 10 | 4:15PM

New York Giants Helmet and ball in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Giants 27-10. (William Hauser)

The Vikings have denied the Giants' request to interview QB coach Kevin Stefanski for their vacant offensive coordinator position, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Stefanski was a top choice for the Giants, who could turn their attention to Eagles RB coach Duce Staley or former Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, though he has been pursued by the Indianapolis Colts, according to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.

The Vikings hired Eagles' QB coach John DeFilippo for their OC job on Thursday. Stafanski was up for that job and it was assumed the Giants would be able to interview and possibly hire him, but the Vikings rejected the interview request. Stefanski has spent the last 11 years in various jobs on the Vikings' coaching staff.

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NJ.com mock: Giants take Josh Rosen, Sony Michel

Feb 10 | 11:00AM

Dan Duggan of NJ.com took a stab at a seven-round mock draft for the Giants that will leave fans excited if it comes to fruition. He has the Giants selecting UCLA QB Josh Rosen no. 2 overall and Georgia RB Sony Michel in the third round.

Rosen, 21, threw for career highs in yards (3,717), touchdowns (26), and completion percentage (62.5) this season. Outside of his raw talent, though, there have been questions of his "coachability" according to ESPN's Todd McShay.

Many fans have been well read on the franchise quarterbacks at the top of the draft, like Rosen, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield, but there still will be talent to find after the first round. Duggan tried to show just that with the Giants taking Michel in the third round...

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T Bobby Hart officially waived from Giants

Feb 9 | 7:15PM

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New York Giants offensive tackle Bobby Hart on the sideline during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. (Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports)

The Giants have officially waived T Bobby Hart from the IR, meaning his time with Big Blue is over

Hart has started 21 games in the past three seasons. This year, he's started seven times at right tackle among a much-maligned Giants offensive line.

New GM Dave Gettleman spoke at his introductory press conference about his plans for the offensive line...

Which 'hog mollies' could the Giants target in the Draft?

With the NFL season officially over, all attention turns to the top-rated prospects coming out of college to pursue their professional dreams.

For the Giants, their No. 2 overall pick is their top priority at the moment as they figure out what to do with the selection. Other than that top pick, though, there seems to be a consensus on what position the Giants should be addressing in this year's draft: the offensive line.

Path cleared for Shurmur to hire his top-choice OC

By Ralph Vacchiano | Feb 8 | 9:05PM

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Pat Shurmur holds a helmet after being introduced as head coach of the New York Giants during an NFL football news conference, Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, in East Rutherford , N.J. Shurmur, the former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, was announced as the new coach less than 24 hours after he and the Vikings were beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC title game. The 52-year-old Shurmur replaces Ben McAdoo, who was fired in early December. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)

The first domino has fallen in the Giants' search for an offensive coordinator, and that could mean new Giants coach Pat Shurmur could have his top choice - and his completed staff -- in place in a few days.

Kevin Stefanski, the Vikings quarterbacks coach and the man believed to be Shurmur's top choice for offensive coordinator with the Giants, could now be free to join his old boss in New York after he was passed over by the Vikings for their offensive coordinator job. The Vikings filled that job on Thursday night when they hired Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo, according to ESPN....

The Giants have claimed former Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Carter off waivers, it was announced Thursday.

The move was first reported on Jan. 23, shortly after the Giants officially hired Carter's former coach, Pat Shurmur, to be the head coach.

Carter was activated from the Vikings' practice squad in December and was cut during the playoffs when the team needed to make room for QB Sam Bradford.

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Cardinals star CB Patrick Peterson praises Giants DC James Bettcher

Feb 8 | 9:30AM

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(Brace Hemmelgarn)

Cardinals star CB Patrick Peterson is the latest player to say great things about his former defensive coordinator, James Bettcher.

The 39-year-old Bettcher was called "one of the best young coordinators in the league" by former Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, and Peterson thinks the exact same way.

"He's a great young defensive coordinator," Peterson told NJ.com's Dan Duggan. "He brings a lot to the table. He's extremely smart. He understands how to adjust to whatever his players know how to do. The thing that I was most impressed with Coach Bettcher was the way he was able to relate to his players. I wish him nothing but the best of luck out there in NYC."

Giants general manager Dave Gettleman is bringing in former Panthers personnel executive Mark Koncz into the fold as a consultant to assist in the scouting process, the NY Post reports.

Koncz was with the Panthers from 1994 until this past summer, when he was fired from his position as director of player personnel. He became the team's pro scouting director in 2000. Gettleman promoted Koncz to director of player personnel last May, but he was fired soon after Gettleman was relieved of his duties last summer.

The Giants finished 2017 with a 3-13 record, establishing a club-record for losses in a single season. New York will pick second in the upcoming NFL Draft where they are expected to select a QB.

Giants will need these changes to happen to reach Super Bowl LIII

The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions, but the world hasn't yet spun off its axis. So for now, at least, Super Bowl LIII is still scheduled to be played next year.

The Eagles, who were the worst team in the NFC East just one year ago, are clearly among the favorites to get back to the Super Bowl again. But is there any chance the Giants can pull off their worst-to-first trick, too?

Patriots OC Josh McDaniels has opted to remain in his current role after initially agreeing to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: Josh McDaniels was very high on the Giants' list of head coaching candidates - definitely in the final three, and at least one source put him in the final two. Even as they seemed to be zeroing in on Pat Shurmur, there were some in the organization who wanted them to place one last call to McDaniels, just to make sure he really preferred the Colts.

Giants continue to play musical chairs in OC search

Pat Shurmur has finalized most of his Giants coaching staff already, but one significant piece is still missing. And it's possible his search for an offensive coordinator will last into next week.

That's because Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski is believed to be one of Shurmur's top targets, but he's also a candidate to get Shurmur's old job as Vikings offensive coordinator, too. Meanwhile, the Vikings are still interviewing candidates, and they appear to be interested in Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo.

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McShay sticks with Rosen for Giants in second mock draft

Feb 6 | 12:40PM

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Todd McShay has UCLA QB Josh Rosen still going to the Giants with the second overall selection in his latest mock draft.

The ESPN analyst understands new head coach Pat Shurmur and GM Dave Gettleman backed Eli Manning as the starter for next season, but that doesn't mean they pass up on Rosen's talent.

Simms' advice to Shurmur: 'There's got to be a little fear'

Feb 6 | 9:25AM

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(Noah K. Murray)

Former Giants QB Phil Simms remembers being in the midst of a regime change in New York, and has some advice for Pat Shurmur to insure success in his first season.

After Bill Parcells left the Giants, Ray Handley was put in charge, and New York didn't seem to be the same team. Handley coached just two seasons, posting a 14-18 record before being ousted in 1992. In Simms' last season before retirement, the Giants decided to make Dan Reeves their newest head coach in 1993.

Simms immediately saw a change in the locker room when Reeves met with the team for the first time, and he just knew Giants football was back.

How Manning and Beckham's "Dirty Dancing" commercial came to be

Eli Manning found a way to steal the show from Tom Brady again by appearing alongside Odell Beckham Jr. in an entertaining Super Bowl ad.

Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive: In the closing moments one of the best Super Bowl commercials in years, Odell Beckham, Jr. comes running into Eli Manning's arms and the Giants quarterback lifts his star (and injured) receiver high above his head. It was a near-perfect replica of Patrick Swayze lifting Jennifer Grey in the big finale of the 1987 movie "Dirty Dancing."

Fun facts about Manning and Beckham's 'Dirty Dancing' commercial

Leave it to Eli Manning to steal the spotlight from Tom Brady in a Super Bowl again -- this time without even being there.

While Brady and the New England Patriots were losing Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night, Manning and Odell Beckham, Jr. starred in one of the most popular and best Super Bowl commercials which aired during the game on NBC. It featured Manning and Beckham doing a choreographed touchdown celebration to the "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack, complete with some of that movie's most famous moves.

Manning did most of the wildest dancing, including a head-spinning and startlingly accurate homage to Patrick Swayze's dancing in the movie's final scene. He was also joined by some of his offensive linemen. Giants safety Landon Collins made a cameo appearance in the commercial for the NFL, too...

THE GAME

THE WEATHER

Thank goodness for domes! Outside the Super Bowl stadium the temperature won't even reach double digits, with a forecast high of 9 and a low of 0. Inside it'll be fine. Hopefully it'll be nice and toasty in front of your TV, too.

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Pat Shurmur aiming to finalize coaching staff this week

Feb 4 | 12:27PM

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Pat Shurmur speaks after being introduced as head coach of the New York Giants during an NFL football news conference, Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, in East Rutherford , N.J. Shurmur, the former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, was announced as the new coach less than 24 hours after he and the Vikings were beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC title game. The 52-year-old Shurmur replaces Ben McAdoo, who was fired in early December. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)

Giants coach Pat Shurmur is planning to finalize his coaching staff this week, he said at the NFL Honors Awards Show on Saturday night.

"We've got a few (assistants) in the building, and we'll finish up the hiring process (this) week," Shurmur said, according to Newsday. "Then we'll all get to work."

Pat Shurmur named AP Assistant Coach of the Year

Feb 3 | 7:41PM

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Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur stands on the field before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn) (Bruce Kluckhohn/AP)

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur has been named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Associated Press for his role as offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings.

Giants DT Damon Harrison admits he knows nothing about the defense that the Cardinals ran while new defensive coordinator James Bettcher coached there, but he's ready to do whatever is asked of him.

Last season, the Giants gave up the second most yards in the NFL and was tied for 28th in points conceded. Ownership decided to clean house, firing GM Jerry Reese and head coach Ben McAdoo. Since the organization hired Pat Shurmur to replace McAdoo, the new coach brought his own coaches in, including Bettcher to be the new defensive coordinator, replacing Steve Spagnuolo.

"I know absolutely nothing," Harrison said when asked what he knew about Bettcher's defenses in Arizona, via Paul Schwartz of NY Post...

Giants QB Eli Manning is getting a headstart, and watching some Vikings film to see how Pat Shurmur's offense works.

The Giants new head coach and veteran quarterback are prevented from watching film together until the new league year. But Manning, a stout student on and off the field, has already begun looking at Shurmur's latest film with the Vikings to see how he could be effective in his system.

"I just watched (the Vikings') offense in a couple of games from last year," Manning told NJ.com's Dan Duggan. "I just tried to have the plays kind of written on the screen so I can start learning some of the terminology and put it all together, just calling plays and seeing some of the schemes that they're running."

Mayfield: Getting drafted to Giants would be 'ideal'

Feb 2 | 7:11PM

While soaking in the Super Bowl festivities in Minnesota, Mayfield spoke briefly on playing for the Giants, and simply put, he would love to throw to the young receivers they have now.

"Throwing the ball to Engram, Shep and Odell wouldn't be too bad," Mayfield told Newsday's Tom Rock. "Those are some studs right there. Being there, that's a big-time franchise. The spotlight, I think I thrive on that. I think that would be an ideal situation."